Post dark marks, Post Obagi, what now?
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Tue Aug 17, 2010 10:24 pm

Hi there,

I am coming to the end of what has been a pretty difficult year self esteem wise in regards to my skin.
I got chicken pox for the first time as an adult a year ago, and as I am black, the scars left ugly hyperpigmentation marks, which prevents me from baring my legs etc... But has totally truamatised me in regards to my face.
Full coverage makeup all the time. Hiding in my room when barefaced. No boyfriend or anything because I cannot deal with being seen 'naked' face and body.

Not to mention all the money I have spent, in two continents!

Whilst in the states over the last christmas holiday (i live in the uk) i was told about obagi by yet another dermatologist. I tried and failed the first time round, but upon returning home, with low self esteem and too much time on my hands, I did the whole run for 3mnths, and I am happier with my face now.

Here's my question.. I am still using obagi, not the whole routine anymore, but just the 4% HQ blender+tretinion at night, and a 50% spf all the time.

I tried that clinique even better serum as a day alternative, but it broke me out.. Now I use Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel during the day, pre spf.
Having said that, murad contains 2%HQ, and after using obagi I doubt that does anything - HOWEVER this theory may be complete nonsense, as I'm pretty sure Obagi worked best because of the combination with tretinon.

The thing is..
I am moving to Italy in a months time. I will be attending grad school there...
I am worried:
- I will not have access to products.
- That I am only 23 and using hq4% and tretinion for the rest of my life is sure to be a bad idea.
- That I will get lighter in maintenance?
(I got a shade lighter, which is fine, but I don't want to get any lighter as that was never the issue, my spots and patchyness caused by failed attempts to get rid of these spots were).

So.. If anyone can help me.
Should I stock up on Obagi blender with tretinion and use it, 3 times a week for the rest of my life?
If so, does anyone have any good suggestions for something to use at night in between those times, that helps the issue here?

Do I buy Obagi Exfoderm instead? Use as above?

OR any other product with HQ? Will that be enough to maintain my current skin?

I cant afford the whole set now and forever (esp in pounds), but I am willing to invest in good skin, and will still use other very good but cheaper cleaning/exfoliating brands.

free skin care · Wed Aug 18, 2010 6:11 am

I don't think you will get a shade lighter while on maintenance, as what probably did that was the Clear. My opinion here, but I would continue on the Retin A/Blender 3 times a week for maintenance. You may try to take it down to 2 times a week to see if it will maintain your results, but if you notice anything new coming up, up it back to 3 times a week. You could also try to do this for 3 months, and then take a 3 month break from the Hydroquinone and only use the Retin A 3 nights a week and see how you do. You can use anything you want on the other nights and in the mornings, just make sure you continue with your sunscreen. I personally would not use any other HQ product. How about an antioxidant for your mornings pre sunscreen?

Wed Aug 18, 2010 6:35 am

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond.

I am able to buy retin a on its own, so using that during a break definitely makes sense.

Yes it was the clear that made me lighter..

Do you have any suggestions for an antioxidant cream?

Thanks again.

free skin care · Wed Aug 18, 2010 8:32 am

tilly87 wrote:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond.

I am able to buy retin a on its own, so using that during a break definitely makes sense.

Yes it was the clear that made me lighter..

Do you have any suggestions for an antioxidant cream?

Thanks again.

No problem! Well my 2 favorite are Skinceuticals C, E, Ferulic and the Skinactives CHAS serum. Though, I am sure if you do a board search you will come up with a ton more!! Very Happy

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.